PICTURES: House contents reduced to ashes

“I had to make sure that my sisters, who are also pensioners, were removed from the house,” she says.

“We called the neighbours for help but the fire was too harsh.

“Most of my furniture and the ceilings of some of the rooms were already damaged when the fire-fighters finally managed to put out the fire.”

Shadi says that she doesn’t know what might have caused the fire, but it is alleged that the fire started around 7am in one of the bedrooms.

“The person who uses the room where the fire started didn’t come back home the previous night,” she says.

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Although no one was injured in the blaze, Shadi says that they have lost everything.

“I am pleading to residents and the government for any form of donations to help us get back on our feet.

“We are left with only the clothes that we are wearing.

“I don’t know where my family of six people will sleep tonight in this cold weather.

“The children’s uniforms were also burned up in the fire,” she says.

Tsakane police spokesman, Lerato Mngomezulu, says that the cause of the fire has not been determined.

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“We have opened a case of arson inquiry for further investigations.

“Anyone who wants to help can contact me on 082 3319 079 or Sergeant Lebohang Ramaesa on 072 0146 457,” she says.